Famed author of the Shopaholic series, Sophie Kinsella, reveals her diagnosis of glioblastoma and discusses her ongoing treatment

Sophie Kinsella, the beloved British author renowned for her Shopaholic series, has publicly disclosed her diagnosis of glioblastoma, an aggressive form of brain cancer. The announcement came via a heartfelt post on Instagram, where Kinsella shared details of her health struggle that began at the end of 2022.

Kinsella, whose real name is Madeleine Sophie Wickham, chose to initially keep her diagnosis private to allow her family, especially her children, time to adapt to their “new normal.” This period of privacy was crucial for them to process the significant news away from the public eye.

The author has been undergoing treatment at the University College Hospital in London, which includes surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. Kinsella reported that her treatment has been successful so far, and she is generally feeling very well, despite some side effects such as fatigue and memory issues. 

At 54, Kinsella has penned over 30 novels, impacting readers worldwide with her engaging narratives and relatable characters. Her work not only includes the bestselling Shopaholic series but also other popular novels written under her real name. The adaptation of her Shopaholic books into the film “Confessions of a Shopaholic,” starring Isla Fisher, brought her stories to an even wider audience.

The literary community and her vast number of readers have rallied around Kinsella, sending messages of support and affection. Fellow author Gillian McAllister and actress Isla Fisher were among those offering their encouragement, highlighting the deep connection Kinsella has with her audience.

Kinsella expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support she has received, not just from her family and friends, but also from her readers. Her latest novel, “The Burnout,” was released in October 2023 and has been a source of joy and distraction during her treatment.

In her message, Kinsella also extended her support to others battling cancer, acknowledging the loneliness and fear that come with such a diagnosis. Her openness about her condition sheds light on the personal challenges faced by those in the public eye and brings attention to the critical importance of medical and emotional support during such trials.